The New “Bradys” but Brilliant!

“Happy If Happy When” concerns two parents and their five children (ages 9-17) and their desire for a bigger living space. What’s bigger than a farm?

You can guess the rest: The family buys the farm and moves in only to find out that the farm has a mind of its own. The farm is a complete disaster, but that doesn’t discourage them of not liking it there. Conflicts occurs, and the family realizes that they need each other to realize the dreams they all are determined to achieve.

The unique part of this is that the family is played by the ACTUAL family. Kimerer LaMothe as Mom, Geoffrey Gee as Dad, Jordan LaMothe as Hank, Jessica Gee as Sarah, Kyra Gee as Eliza, Kai LaMothe as Joe, and Leif LaMothe Gee as Ted. The setting is the farm … scenes at the piano, at the house, in the barn, in the fields, in the forest, and outside and near the barn.

“Happy If Happy When” was something quite different compared to musicals I’ve seen in the past. The whole idea of a family performing a musical together was really inspired and in the end, just brilliant. You can really see and feel the bond that they all have with each other. The singing was honest and fascinating with extra kudos to the band – two musicians and one of the actors from the show.

The whole concept of the play was something quite genuine and creative. One might think that this is a vanity play with mediocre talent … nope. The acting, transcendent; the voices, marvelous. Even the two really young youngsters were exceptional. It’s quite unique to see such young talent on anything but a Broadway show, studio film or network TV. I’m dubious of musicals, but this one definitely made me reconsider my views and bring myself back for more.